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Join Leica Store Miami for a photographic journey through the dramatic and otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park, California. From sweeping sand dunes and colorful badlands to vast salt flats, Joshua tree groves, and rugged mountain ranges, we’ll explore the incredible diversity of one of America’s most unique desert environments. With opportunities to photograph from sunrise to sunset and, weather permitting, beneath the stars, this adventure offers endless possibilities for creative exploration. Leica experts Colin McKinley and Peter Dooling from Leica Store Miami will be on hand to offer guidance and inspiration as you capture the striking beauty and extraordinary contrasts of the desert.
While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.
Why this trip is different
At Red Dot Photo Workshops, we feel that real world shooting is the best way to discover the capabilities of your camera, grow as a photographer and enjoy the Leica experience. Our Leica-focused photo workshops offer you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to master your camera, try out the latest Leica gear and spend time with other Leica enthusiasts from all over the US and the world.
In addition to landscape photography, this workshop will provide opportunities for Astrophotography. We’ll show you when and where to look for the Milky Way, useful apps to assist your planning and how to set up your camera for the best possible results.
What to Expect
This is primarily a photography trip. We will be shooting some days from before sunrise until after sunset. Some nights, we may be out in the desert until after midnight photographing the stars. At each carefully chosen location, there will be plenty of time to set up your tripod, compose your shots and get in some quality photography. On most days, we will come back to the hotel mid-day to rest up and edit images.
The weather in Death Valley and the surrounding desert areas is relatively mild in March, with average highs in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s. However, at some locations the elevation may be up to 4,000-6,000ft above sea level, where the sun can be very intense and dehydration can happen quickly. It is very important to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.
The adventure begins with airport pickup at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). We will plan to depart at 3pm from the airport and begin our 2.5-hour drive to Death Valley, where we will check into our first hotel and go out to shoot during sunset.
On Day 2 we will explore a lesser-known corner of the park, the Joshua Tree grove at Lee Flats. These remarkable, tree-like succulents are an iconic symbol of the Mojave Desert, and serve as excellent photo subjects from dusk til dawn. If weather permits, there are world-class astrophotography opportunities in this area.
On Day 3 we will move deeper into the park and relocate to our next stay at the Ranch at Death Valley, a centrally-located oasis which is conveniently located close to our upcoming photo locations. From this home base we will visit locations like the Mesquite Dunes, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, and more. With ample time to allow for a relaxed pace, we may visit some of these locations multiple times in different conditions or lighting.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our drive back to Las Vegas and say our farewells. We can drop you off directly at the airport, or at a nearby hotel if you plan on extending your stay.
